Hawaii Family Multisport
Bike, Walk, Paddle & Snorkel from Coast to Crater
The diversity of the Big Island's landscape - an ever-changing palette of greens and blues - is well matched to the activities on Backroads' multisport family adventure. Kids and adults will thrill at the prospect of hiking across a volcano crater and into a mysterious cave-like lava tube, as well as biking along the magical Hamakua Coast overlooking the Pacific. Paddle to caves, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear bays, and come face-to-face with sea turtles, beaked parrot fish and other fascinating sea creatures. With ample time to relax and sun yourself on black- and white-sand beaches, you'll find that the Big Island is a sun-splashed playground perfect for family fun.
Trip Planning Links
- Bike through the magnificent Waipio Valley - aka the "Valley of the Kings"
- Plenty of quality beach time - and a surf lesson if you like
- Snorkel and kayak with sea turtles
- Hike across a caldera with a certified volcanologist
- Explore tide pools and learn how to make leis - the symbol of the aloha spirit
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kohala Coast
Our trip begins in the Waimea region, famous for its high coastline and verdant pastures 
Bike along the coast, where postcard-perfect valleys and lush tropical hills greet you around every turn Ride to the Waipio Valley lookout for views of some of the Big Island's most magnificent scenery Enjoy a picnic lunch in the plantation-era town of Honokaa.
Day 2 Volcano Village
Shuttle to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, the most active volcano on Earth En route, stop at Umauma Falls and the World Botanical Center for a jaunt through a rain forest dense with bamboo and ginger Explore a black lava landscape on foot Ferns, ohia trees and the red apapane bird color our path to the 450-foot Thurston Lava Tube. 
Dine at one of the best restaurants on the island.
Day 3 Kailua-Kona
Wake to views of the dramatic Kilauea Caldera Bike along Crater Rim Road Cruise down a 4,000-foot descent to the crashing waves of the stunning Kau Coast Frolic with sea turtles on the black sand of Punaluu Beach Relax with a spa treatment at our hotel while kids check out the multilevel swimming pool and slide, surrounded by waterfalls and tropical foliage.
Days 4-6 Kohala Coast
Kayak down the coast from Keauhou Bay, past rocky cliffs and secluded sea caves At our luxurious beachfront resort, options abound - kids can look forward to surfing lessons, snorkeling, beach volleyball, tide pool walks and lei-making lessons Adults can opt to relax poolside or indulge in a spa treatment Adults can also ride along the Kohala Coast to Hawi, an area known for its many wonderful art communities Glimpse Hawaii's ancient culture on a visit to petroglyphs chiseled on smooth black slates of cooled lava.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Costa Rica Multisport Yucatan Multisport Thailand BikingOther Asia/Pacific Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was the best family vacation we ever had, and a great part of that was due to the wonderful leaders we had, who were simply outstanding. They not only were sensitive to our every need and concern, they were wonderful with the children, all of whom clearly ended up worshiping them and wishing - like us - that the trip would not end. I think our son would have preferred to go with them at the end than to come home with us! All in all, we're with Backroads for the long haul and look forward to another trip soon.- Manhattan Beach, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Hawaii Family Multisport
PACIFIC GEMS: Premiere Inns*
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Kohala Coast (1 night) This Big Island jewel is well known for its fantastic beach, stunning ocean views, championship golf course and gracious attentive service.
Kilauea Lodge
Volcano Village (1 night) This charming bed-and-breakfast was once a YMCA for kids visiting Volcanoes National Park. The guest rooms reflect up-country charm with a commitment to warmth and peacefulness.
* Casual Inn
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Kailua-Kona (1 night) Set on 22 oceanfront acres and offering abundant amenities including a spa, tennis courts, a fitness center and an enormous swimming pool with slide.
* Casual Inn
The Fairmont Orchid
Kohala Coast (2 nights) Named by Travel+Leisure as one of the Top 20 Spa Resorts in the country, this retreat sits on a secluded white-sand beach and has a private lagoon and a "spa without walls."
Hawaii Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 31 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
- Walking 4.9 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 5 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 24, 40, 48 miles
- 500 - 5,500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 0.5 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling 3 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 32 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Optional Walking or Outrigger Canoeing
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with some climbs. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.